Equestrian and Feminine Sculpture
Item
-
Accession Number
-
2024.10.
-
Title
-
Equestrian and Feminine Sculpture
-
Ethnic Group
-
Senufo
-
Subject
-
Figure|Ritual|West Africa
-
Country
-
Côte d'Ivoire
-
Date
-
Early 20th Century
-
Medium
-
Patinated wood
-
Format
-
H x W x D: 35.03 in x 6.10 in x 5.5 in (89 cm x 15.5 cm x 14 cm)
-
Description
-
A sculpture depicts a seated maternity receptacle with a lid that features an equestrian figure. A seated female figure shows various scarifications on her breasts, where a baby is suckling to sustain his vitality. A line of a conch shell decorates the surface of a receptacle vessel. All these detailed elements are symbols of fertility. Although Senufo society is patriarchal, inheritance passes through the matrilineal line. The importance of maternity is generally reflected in the sculpture's content.
-
Type
-
Female Figural Statue with a lid
